Goat intestines ritual postpones circumcision party for Keiyo boys

Keiyo Council of Elders in Elgeyo Marakwet County performs a traditional ritual, 'Kepir Moo,' at Kabulwo in Keiyo North on October 5, 2026. [Wycliff Kipsang, Standard]

The Keiyo Council of Elders in Elgeyo Marakwet County has called off this year's traditional circumcision for boys, citing food scarcity.

The decision was taken after a traditional ritual at Kabulwo, where the elders interpreted signs from a goat's intestines, popularly known locally as 'Kepir Moo'.

The elders also used the occasion to predict that the county will not experience the much-anticipated El Niño rains but will receive normal rainfall. They said peace will prevail as the country prepares for next year's general election.

The ritual, a sacred part of Keiyo culture, was led by the council's Deputy Chairperson, John Kangogo.

The elders slaughtered a goat and carefully examined a specific part of its intestines known as Kepir Moo. This practice has been believed for generations to offer foresight into events that may affect the community, from famine and disease to prosperity and conflict.

"After lengthy deliberations and interpretation of the signs from the intestines, we have come to the conclusion as elders that the highly anticipated Tumdo ceremony, which marks the transition of boys into manhood, will not take place this year," Kangogo announced after the ritual.

He emphasised that the decision was in the best interest of the community, despite the cultural importance of the rite.

The main reason for the cancellation was the severe food shortage currently affecting the region.

The elders explained that circumcision is a communal affair requiring families to feed numerous visitors, elders, and initiates for weeks, a burden unlikely to be met this year due to crop failure from erratic rainfall.

The elders also cited unseen risks and challenges revealed through Kepir Moo.

They warned that holding the ceremony now could expose initiates to misfortunes.

In a second ritual called "Kebarbar Maat," in which fire is lit without a match, elder Thomas Kiplagat led the divination concerning the nation's future.

"The behaviour of the sacred fire, how it catches, the colour of its flame and the direction of its smoke is viewed as a powerful omen about the country's destiny," Kiplagat explained.

From Kebarbar Maat, the elders delivered two major national predictions.

Firstly, they forecast that Kenya will not face the destructive El Niño rains feared by many but will receive normal, adequate rainfall supporting agriculture.

Secondly, they predicted peace across the country, especially as the nation approaches a crucial election period.

For generations, such customs have formed an essential part of Keiyo culture, with elders using them to reflect on and guide the community on various issues.

Before the ritual, elders select a flawless goat or sheep (often without blemish) during significant community events or rites of passage.

After slaughtering, respected elders carefully inspect the internal organs, especially the rumen, stomach linings (Kepir Moo), and small intestines (matumbo).

Patterns, marks, colours, or irregularities on the tissues are interpreted as symbolic messages rather than literal anatomy.

The ritual acts as a community gauge for predicting crises such as droughts, famines, livestock raids, or disease outbreaks, helping communities prepare for major environmental or health shifts.

It is not solely used for warnings; the reading can also forecast blessings, bumper harvests, peaceful transitions, or favourable weather patterns.

Historically, communities relied on these readings to time major social milestones, deciding whether to proceed with or postpone cultural events like boy-child circumcision ceremonies.